The shimmer density is quite versatile; one coat delivers a see-though veil, two coats deliver a more solid effect. Three coats are fully opaque, but I think two thin layers is perfect for this one — there’s just a bit of translucence left there, which makes it a bit less intense; a bit lighter (both visually and from a tactile standpoint.) The image at the top of this post is two layers, in case you’re curious!

Possible dupes: Call me a nail heathen, but I generally feel like one silver holo’s the same as the next. Check your stashes for something similar — I know China Glaze and GOSH do silver holos (OMG and Holographic, respectively) that look to be a little more finely-milled, but I’m kind of partial to the particle size of this one. It’s not a “true” holo in my opinion, but more of a holo-glitter cross.

Try something like Milani 3D Holographic in HD for a comparable drugstore dupe — it has chunkier shimmer, but it’s 3-free, permanent (Dodgy Barnett is limited edition) and just under $5. I don’t own HD, but Kelly at Vampy Varnish has some lovely swatches of it!

butter LONDON Dodgy Barnett Nail Varnish – direct sunlight

The formula: This is the first butter LONDON polish I’ve worked with, but can I just say that the formula is (as expected) absolutely lovely? I’m used to polishes that you can just pick up on the fly at the drugstore, but Dodgy Barnett goes on smoothly and quickly, settling easily into an even, streak-free finish.

Additionally, I find the thin layers dry nicely–no shrinking or super-long wait times,– and the 3-free, paraben-free formula is just a nice cherry on top, rather than the only selling point.

Just one (sheer) layer of Dodgy Barnett

Nail swatches of butter LONDON Dodgy Barnett (two coats)

The verdict?

As much as I love Dodgy Barnett, I can’t say that–as someone who wears nail varnish very, very rarely–I’d pay quite this much for it. I received my bottle from Nail Polish Canada, who have the collection for $17 each (plus free shipping!), which is on par with the butter LONDON site.

All that said & done, though? For my first foray into the lineup, I was quite impressed. I still think the particle size is a bit too large for an intense, solid holo effect, but (shh, it’s an open secret) I actually kind of prefer it.

I’m actually tempted to wear this one around, which is a first — I haven’t done my [finger]nails just because in five or six (or seven or eight) years. For theNotice, yes; for myself, not even once!

[Note: all butter LONDON polishes are 3-free (free of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde) as well as paraben-free!]

butter LONDON packaging

Layered swatches

I’m always curious to see how new (to me) particle sizes will work with other products, so I had to give this one a go. From index to pinkie finger, I’ve swatched Dodgy Barnett underneath a clear topcoat, underneath a matte topcoat, below a coat of Sally Hansen Commander in Chic, & below a coat of Revlon Vixen.

I didn’t love the way it layered (especially not with the matte topcoat — talk about a failed experiment!) but I thought I’d share some photos regardless; maybe save some of you a bit of trouble ;)

I really like the 2 coat effect, maybe I'll give that a try with the Milani one (which I've had for quite awhile and haven't tried yet). But what I'm really excited about is Trustafarian. It looks so amazing and really unique! I can't wait to see the swatches!

I have GOSH Holographic so I probably wouldn't 'downgrade' per se to this (I do agree this type of holo-shimmer has a place though!), but I love the look of it on you! I usually want to wear in-your-face prismatic polishes, but I do like the soft look of this shade. You have such fabulous nails – I can understand not needed to bother painting them, but you certainly wear it well my dear!

I have only one butter London polish, All Hail McQueen and it has the same glossy holo formula as this! I love it so much, it's actually one of my favorite polishes. I don't think I'll pick up this one because I need another silver holo like I need a hole in my head, but I'm definitely going to get the other holo- Trustafarian!

Going to the dentist, walking Zena, relearning how to drive so I can get my license AGAIN, trying to get an appointment to go downtown and check out the school I want to go to…..buying polishes….you know, being me. XD